Conal Keaney in action for Dublin. Photo: Sportsfile
DUBLIN hurlers have received a major pre-championship boost with the return of cruciate victim Conal Keaney to full competitive action.
The Ballyboden St Enda’s star made his long-awaited return by coming through a full championship match for his club on Wednesday night and even scored a point from play.
It was Keaney’s first full game since rupturing both his cruciate and lateral knee ligaments in a motorcycle accident on the eve of last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final against Limerick.
Also in action in the same game was his club and Dublin team-mate Stephen Hiney, who was lining out in only his third match since recovering from his own cruciate injury.
Ballyboden suffered a shock 0-16 to 2-6 loss to Lucan Sarsfields in the group stages, but the duo’s good performances on a particularly wet night have fuelled speculation that both men will make their inter-county comebacks in a challenge game against Waterford on Monday.
Their return to competitive hurling definitely increases their chances of being up to speed in time for Dublin’s Leinster SHC opener against Laois or Carlow on June 2.
Irish Independent
